The Expendables Of Green Bay

Free agent frenzy is a catchy title. Really, this is the time of year when people get fired. GMs around the league might as well say when they cut a player, “There’s good news and bad news. We have to let you go. But I just saved a bunch of money on my car insurance.”

It’s sad to say good-bye to players who have been a huge part of a team’s success. At the same time, those who struggled run out of second chances.

In Green Bay, certain cuts and keeps will try to upgrade the Pack’s future.

Wide receiver James Jones has moved on to Oakland. At one point Jones led the league in touchdowns. But due to inconsistent hands, combined with the emergence of a younger and bigger Jarrett Boykin, Jones’ price was too high. At least already with a Super Bowl ring, Jones can enjoy the nice Cali weather as opposed to blizzards in Wisconsin.

C.J. Wilson also is now a Raider. As a role player on the defensive line, Wilson’s run stuffing and pass pressure has been subpar. He’s recorded just 3.5 sacks in his four year career. The former seventh round pick will most likely be replaced by up and coming Datone Jones. Not to mention, a little cap space was made for a big time signing of Julius Peppers. The former Chicago Bear will make up for a lot of mistakes on defense.

Speaking of the Bears, safety M.D. Jennings was added to the NFC North rival. Jennings has just one interception in his three year tenure with the Packers. Safeties have underachieved in Green Bay recently. Neither Jennings nor Morgan Burnett caught a ball last year. That’s a position desperate for change. Burnett may be next unless he makes some plays.

Evan-Dietrick Smith arm pumps with A-Rod.

On the offensive line, center Evan Dietrick-Smith signed with the Tampa Bay Bucs. Out of all the cuts so far, this one hurts the most. Given the Pack’s talent on offense, A-Rod and all his weapons need a secure center who won’t blow blocking assignments. But Smith did replace Scott Wells and worked out. Maybe the Pack has another ace up their sleeve.

Hopes are that each former Packer won’t be missed too much.

Space eaters Johnny Jolly and Ryan Pickett are still available free agents. Jolly and Pickett really know their way around the trenches and can still clog up the run game.

Backup quarterback Matt Flynn saved the Packers twice; keeping Green Bay in playoff contention for an injured Aaron Rodgers. It’s a surprise that he hasn’t been picked up yet.

This much we know; from past experience, any free agents who leave Green Bay very rarely go beyond success elsewhere. A perfect example is Greg Jennings in Minnesota. A Super Bowl star turned into an average receiver on an average team.